RKKRAWL Hydro Blue Build

[Marksman]

Done with the rear now on to the front axle.

She’s a long way from stock at this point…

 

[RKKRAWL]

Some progress

 

[RKKRAWL]

Johnny 5 is alive!!! sort of. Needs to go to the muffler shop for exhaust work and after 11 months of waiting still don't have the RCV 300M inner axle shafts, so no wheeling yet as oil will pour out the front diff. It stands about 7' tall and definitely won't pass for stock anymore.

 

[deanfromoregon]

It’s a thing of beauty. Great work!!!

 

[RKKRAWL]

Well, my RCV 300M inner axle shafts finally showed up this week but had the wrong seals in the kit. Steering box is out getting ported for hydro assist in Texas. There is light at the end of the tunnel after all, should be 2 - 4 weeks and it will be done......

 

[RKKRAWL]

Well after 13 months of waiting for parts, it's finally done.

 

[Damnright]

Love the build and all the details and photos. @RKKRAWL

 

[TRMFAM]

What axle width (WMS) and gear ratio did you end up going with?

 

[RKKRAWL]

Dynatrac Pro Rock 60/80 Elite HD Custom Width 70.5, Gear Ration 5.38 on 40s

 

[TRMFAM]

Dynatrac Pro Rock 60/80 Elite HD Custom Width 70.5, Gear Ration 5.38 on 40s

Thank you for your reply...if you don't mind can you discuss your width reasoning and your gear ratio / rpm / drivability experience?

I ordered my 392 in September and planning the build, much like you, at the end of the first 12-18 mos would like to be on 1 ton axles and three things continue to give me questions.

1. Axle width - thread after thread folks say go 72 or wider...I almost never see anyone say 68-70". I think 70 is the minimum just to run a 4.5" BS wheel to center the wheel / tire and clear suspension / body.
2. Gear ratio - had already decided 5.38 ratio but again, thread after thread seems to point to it will drive poorly on the highway. Stop light to light will be a beast but 70 MPH will be too high rev.
3. Locker type - I don't see a good place to mount and ARB OUTSIDE the cab and those running to power lockers would drive me insane under the passenger seat. Leaning toward e-lockers but a lot of stories they are not as durable.

Apologies for muddying up your thread if you would prefer taking this to DM's I would appreciate your insight.
-Rob

 

[RKKRAWL]

Went with 70.5 4.5" BS to keep scrub radius within reason, plenty of clearance lock to lock and could easily go to 5.0 BS.

5.38 are a little steep for highway but great for trail use. Up to 78 mph 16 -18 mpg 82 and up 8 -9 mpg. Could go to 42s later on.

Air pumps locked on wheel wells behind ds rear door, a little noisy but I don't use the lockers that much. The is room next to the windshield wiper bottle for the small ARB locker only pump.

 

[RKKRAWL]

A few changes after taking it out on a few shake down runs. Bestop Trek Top, rear seat delete, no more spare tire.

 

[RKKRAWL]

Got an early Christmas present, so ditched the Redneck Ram and installed the 392 PSC kit. Saw someone break a sector shaft, so switching gears was pretty much a no brainer.

 

[Tank2112]

So after wheeling your built 392 for a while, how does it compare in rocks compared to shorter, lighter TJ?

 

[RKKRAWL]

So after wheeling your built 392 for a while, how does it compare in rocks compared to shorter, lighter TJ?

It's a tank, pun intended. It's definitely much bigger and heavier, still trying to get used to it. Thinking I should have gotten an LJ and built it for the Hammers instead of this monster but it's a toss up that's pretty close, both have good and bad points depending on the type of wheeling that you do. Horses for courses.......

 

[Earl 392]

Some progress

Thanks for the pictures. If one of your pictures shows the ground point for the electric steering pump would mind pointing it out or circle it. Thanks you have so much more of your Jeep exposed than I do. I had my fender liner removed as it was torn when I received the Jeep. They sent me a new one. I replaced it b4 I knew about power steering overheating. Thanks again PS nice job

Earl

 

[Moabtj]

Next project while waiting for bumpers and skids from Next Venture Motorsports. Not much room for anything in the engine compartment but will see if I can shoehorn this in there somewhere.

Who is making these now? I had one on my TJ and CJ back in the day

 

[RKKRAWL]

I don't know, haven't kept track of them. I know I have seen a few types on the internet, do a google search and you should find something.